AUGUST ISSUE: News for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis

 Bring on the bicycles!  The Wekiva Trail, one of the largest and most anticipated recreational amenities in the area, is progressing in some areas, while advancement is slower in other areas because of complications in the process.  Right now, the Mount Dora portion is the trickiest.  Read more

-  Speaking of bikes, there is much more immediate  good news.  A new bike-share company, Mount Dora Bikes, is preparing to set up shop in downtown Mount Dora.  The new venture will offer bike rentals and eventually fun excursions and tours.  Read more

-  It's that time of year!  Mount Dora Buzz readers get to vote for all of their favorite people, places and businesses in the city to help them earn bragging rights in the annual Best of Mount Dora awards.  Categories cover everything from dining, art, real estate, music, shopping and much more.  So sit down, grab your favorite beverage and spend a few minutes filling out the ballot to show your local favorites some love!  Find out more and get your ballot here.

-  Rumors are abuzz again that downtown Mount Dora's Renaissance Building is for sale.  The fact is that it isn't, nor have there been any discussions with anyone to purchase the building, according to the building's owner. 

-  In July, a young 105-pound bear climbed two trees in downtown Mount Dora before being tranquilized, transported and euthanized by authorities. Bears are not uncommon in the area, so follow these important guidelines to keep humans and bears safe from each other.  Read more

-  Unless you're living under a rock or in a different city, it would be hard not to know the outcome of Mount Dora's embattled Starry Night mural.  After almost a year of City officials moving the goal posts, the homeowners were victorious in their fight to protect their first amendment rights and preserve the mural.  The legal fees on behalf of the homeowners exceeded $75,000.   The $15,000 settlement will go to Pacific Legal Foundation who waived the balance of its fees to help the homeowners. The settlement didn't cover the thousands of dollars in legal fees the Mount Dora residents incurred from another attorney nor their out-of-pocket legal expenses. The City's mayor apologized for the dispute, but stopped short of admitting the city made a mistake. 

- August is typically an active month during hurricane season. Experts updated their predictions for the 2018 season.   You can read their new outlook here.  After last year, many residents depleted their hurricane supplies.  Here is what you need for an even better  hurricane kit this season.  Read more.  

​-  This year Lake County Library System selected its first Poet Laureate.  The talented writer and teacher is a Mount Dora resident.  Read more

-   Scroll down for new restaurant and store news.

-  If you want to know what's happening at Mount Dora City Hall and our schools, head to the Mount Dora Buzz "Government" page here for updates.  

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-  Summer is the perfect time for businesses to  take a break in Mount Dora.  Olive Branch Mediterranean Grille is closed for a short vacation and reopens August 8.

- Citing that all seven of the required criteria for the variance were not met, last night the Mount Dora City Council unanimously affirmed the previous denial of the parking variance for the proposed Boathouse on Lake Dora restaurant near the entrance of Boathouse Row. The owners are exploring their options and plan to pursue opening the business.  Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook or sign up here for updates.

-  Meanwhile,  Let's Do Cafe, the casual lunch spot on Donnelly Street with the Maine lobster rolls, closed for renovations.  It will re-open before tourist season begins.

-  A new military-themed diner, Combat Cafe,recently opened in Eustis and serves classic diner breakfast and lunch fare.  The restaurant is located at 1602 N. Highway 19 in Eustis and is open from 6am to 2pm. 

-  Summer is always a time for change in downtown Mount Dora.  The Breezeway Cafe,the small eatery in the back of the Renaissance Building in downtown Mount Dora, has closed its doors.  

- Pisco Sour closed its Mount Dora location earlier this summer and reopened under new ownership in downtown Tavares in the former space of Lago Dora.  The new location has a different menu, but kept some of its familiar Peruvian favorites. 

-  For this month's events, click here.

Scroll down for new store news and the monthly 'Buzz-kill'.

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-  Downtown's Mount Dora's new bakery,   Allyson A. Bake Shop, is still in the build-out stage, but the owner is hoping to open sometime in August in the former location of Cupcake Delights on 4th Avenue.  Read more about the business here.

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We take no joy in bringing you bad news, so please, don't kill the reluctant messenger.   
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This month's buzz-kill is that hardworking teachers are headed back to school this month.  Of course, for a lot of parents, by the time August rolls around they are ready to celebrate the return of the school year.  Lake County Schools begin August 13.  

Scroll down for this month's shout-out. ​

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​There's no shortage of good deeds and warm fuzzies our local residents bestow on others.

- This month a huge shout-out goes to all the individuals, families and businesses that stepped up to the annual Mount Dora Buzz PB&J Challenge to help bridge the local childhood hunger gap.  Pat yourselves on the back, because together we delivered well over one ton of PB&J to Lake Cares Food Pantry.  Your kindness makes a huge difference and is greatly appreciated.  We look forward to next year!
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-  Kudos also go to Mount Dora Police and Fire Departments for hosting their annual back-to-school party that provided big fun and free backpacks and school supplies to local kids.  Well done!

Copyright Mount Dora Buzz 2018

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